The Greatness of Rabbi Weinberg, zt"l

Rav Noah took responsibility for the entire Jewish people.

The day after my beloved rebbe, Rabbi Noach Weinberg, the founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Aish HaTorah, was diagnosed with a very aggressive, lethal form of lung cancer, we were meeting in his office. He stood up, and after pausing for a few moments, turned to me and said, "I am just not ready to quit fighting for Klal Yisrael. If the Almighty calls me home, I am personally ready to go, but I just don't see anyone else that is going to step into the fray and fight the fight that needs to be fought."

This conversation encapsulates what drove the Rosh Yeshiva zt"l. It was never about him ― at all. Rav Noach's only desire was what was best for Klal Yisrael. With every fiber of his being, he wanted to fight, work, create and find ways to empower the Jewish People to accomplish its purpose of being a Light unto the Nations.

During the 14 months that the Rosh Yeshiva was sick, he suffered from many painful, even debilitating, ailments that were brought on by the cancer and the various treatments he underwent. At times, he was in excruciating physical pain. For several months he was unable to lie down because of terrible back pain, and was forced to sleep sitting up in a chair. Although these pains were physically devastating, to him they were trivial compared to the pain of being unable to actively lead Aish HaTorah in its fight against assimilation and the physical threats facing Klal Yisrael.

According to the calendar, he died one week before his 79th birthday. But all who knew him know he died a very young and vigorous man. He had accomplished so much. His brother Rav Yaakov Weinberg zt"l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel, once said that his brother Rav Noach had done more for the Jewish people than anyone else in this generation. He built an international organization that touches the lives of one million people a year. Tens of thousands of people are today Torah observant because of his ground-breaking efforts, but if you met him, you could make the mistake of thinking he was just starting out. He was so hungry, so passionate, so frustrated not being able to do more. You never would have believed that this was a man who had so many accomplishments to his credit.

Since the world was not yet perfected, we could not rest.

Many men half his age could not keep up with him. There were many times that I would tell him, "I have to leave the office now because I am so completely overwhelmed with the responsibilities and the plans that you want to implement."

His fire did not come from the desire to accomplish great things. If that were the case, he could have become complacent long ago. What drove him was the desire to fulfill the Almighty's will, which meant Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Since the world was not yet perfected, we could not rest. There was still plenty of work that needed to be done to accomplish our goal.

Taking Responsibility

During the planning for Aish HaTorah's Partners Conference this past December, the Rosh Yeshiva insisted that the conference articulate two very basic but profound concepts. The first was, 'If you take real responsibility to do the will of God, you will succeed.' And the second was, 'If you really care, then you will take responsibility.' This was the engine that drove the Rosh Yeshiva, and this is why he wanted these concepts clearly expressed at the last conference. This was the Rosh Yeshiva; he took responsiblity and did so because to him every Jew was family.

I believe the Rosh Yeshiva's role model was Sara Schneirer, the woman who founded the Bais Yaakov school system for girls. He loved to tell over the story about Rav Chatzkel Sarna, the former Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron, who while speaking at a bris attended by many Roshei Yeshivas and leading rabbis, challenged them saying, "I know each one of you here thinks that it was either their father or their grandfather who did the most for Klal Yisrael in the last 100 years. But I am here to tell you that that all of you are wrong. Not only that, but the person who did the most for Klal Yisrael was an uneducated Jew who could not even learn a page of Talmud. And furthermore, when I tell you the person's name, you will all agree with me. That person is Sara Schneirer."

The Rosh Yeshiva would explain, what drove her? What enabled her to merit making such a far reaching transformation in Klal Yisrael that even the leading rabbis of that time did not initiate? The Rosh Yeshiva would explain that in Sara Schneirer's diary, she told over her secret. She was a seamstress, and young Jewish girls from observant homes would come to her to have their clothing made. She would talk to them and see up close how far away they really were from Torah and mitzvot, and she would cry for them saying, "Although I clothe their bodies, what will be with them if they have no mitzvot to clothes their souls?"

Undertake the responsibility and the Almighty will give you the heavenly assistance to accomplish it.

The Rosh Yeshiva would then tell everyone and anyone who would listen that this is the ultimate key. If you want something bad enough, so badly that you are willing to cry for it, then you will undertake the responsibility, and the Almighty will give you the heavenly assistance to accomplish it.

The Rosh Yeshiva, more than anything else, stressed the importance of taking responsibility. I once showed him something from Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt"l Sichos Mussar that gave him an enormous amount of pleasure. In his essay on responsibility, Rav Shmulevitz says that responsibility is the measure of a person. Therefore a king has the highest standing amongst the Jewish people because he is taking the most responsibility for Klal Yisrael.

But this level of responsibility is not limited to those who are formally appointed king. Rav Shmulevitz asked, how is it possible for Esther to tell Mordechai, the leading rabbi of his generation, to organize a fast on Passover? If it was the right thing to do, then why didn't Mordechai initiate it himself? And if it was the wrong thing to do, why did he listen to her? Rav Shmulevitz explains that the sentence in the Book of Esther says that "Esther wore the raiment of a queen." This does not refer to just her clothing, but to her character as well. Since she was now taking complete responsibility for the well being of the Jewish people, she attained the status of a queen, and therefore it was fitting for her to initiate the fast and instruct Mordechai to implement it.

The Rosh Yeshiva took responsibility for the entire Jewish people. This was his true greatness.

Torah Genius

In addition to the Rosh Yeshiva's concern for Klal Yisrael and sense of responsibility was his Torah genius. He had the unique gift of being able to take the timeless principles of Torah, distill them to their essence, and then develop unbelievably creative ways of explaining and illustrating these concepts to the most uninitiated Jews, in a way that would show them the profound depth and relevance of traditional Torah and Judaism. He wrote curriculums that accomplished this purpose. The 48 Ways to Wisdom, based on the mishna in the 6th perek of Pirkei Avos, The Five Levels of Pleasure, based on the first paragraph of the Shema, The Six Constant Mitzvot, his Foundations Materials that present a comprehensive overview of Jewish philosophy and thought – they were all incredibly original in their presentation, but completely anchored to the chain of tradition.

His greatest gift was giving us the privilege of being able to join him in making a difference for our people.

I believe his greatest accomplishment was his belief in the powers of an individual. He took the mishna in Pirke Avos at face value that said, "Cherished is man for he is created in the image of God." Who else could take a group of completely disenfranchised young Jewish men, most of whom could not read aleph beis, and many of them quite antagonistic to religion and Judaism in particular, and see within these young men the members of an organization he wanted to create? Many religious Jews would cross the street if they saw these fellows walking down their block. The Rosh Yeshiva was undaunted by their physical appearance. Not only did he see their souls and their thirsting for Torah Judaism, but he believed in them. He believed in their sense of idealism, and that they, together with him, could change the world.

To all of us who are involved with Aish HaTorah, that was his greatest gift ― to give us the privilege of being able to join him in making a difference for our people.

This is his lasting legacy, and I am 100% convinced that the message he wants us to learn from his passing is that we all have a responsibility to fight for the Jewish people, and that all of us, with God's help, can make that difference.

His loss is devastating. Rav Noach was one-of-a-kind and is completely irreplaceable. The only way to translate this into something positive is if each of us hears this message. He told me many times that he hoped his passing would enable us to hear this message in a way that we were unable to while he was alive. If we do, this will be the greatest gift that we can give to him.

About the Author

Rabbi Eric Coopersmith is CEO of Aish International. Originally from Toronto, Eric received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. From 1996 to 2014 he served as CEO, working closely with Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt"l to develop strategy and manpower for Aish International and the Jerusalem Yeshiva. He was formerly the North American director of the Discovery Seminars, and compiled Aish's kiruv primer, The Eye of a Needle. He currently is a lecturer at Yeshiva Aish HaTorah.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 22

(22)
Scott Edelman,
June 13, 2012 5:55 PM

Our Generation

Rav Yaakov Weinberg zt"l was right - Reb Noach "had done more for the Jewish people than anyone else in this generation."

(21)
Nolan Jacobs,
January 29, 2012 4:42 PM

Kudos

An honour and a merit to be a cousin to the Coopersmith Rabbis. Keep up the great work that you both have done. May Hashem continue to give you both the drive to achieve your marvelous work.

(20)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2012 2:08 PM

Rav Weinberg's Greatness Was His Simple Chessed

My wife and I arrived in Eretz Yisroel with $1,000. Being a convert, I never had the merit to learn in a yeshiva. I found a kollel for baal teshuvahs; however after 6 months we had no money. I had to go collecting in the shuls for money.
In one shul that I frequented there was a distinguished looking Rav with white beard. Every time he gave me a shekel or two, I would say "tizku l'mitzvos". He ALWAYS answered with a warm caring smile and "vChaim Lomar!" He said those words with such kavana.
This is an illustration of the beautiful middos of a great Rav
May he be meilitz yosher.

(19)
leah chanah,
February 13, 2009 1:10 PM

We will continue yuor work Rav. Noach!

My husband and I are commited to bringing Jewish men and women together in marriage no matter where they are holding Jewishly. We are observant but do not limit ourselves to helping observant Jews. We know that a match is truely made in heaven, and we are Hash-ms shaliachs, emmisaries, here on Earth. May we have the strength to continue to help all of Klal Yisroel in memory of the great Rav Naoch who saved my husband's life and gave him a job when he was a young rabbi when his own yeshiva would not give him a job in kollel! Becaue of Rav Noach, I have married a wonderful giving caring rabbi who loves Klal Yisroel. May we be blessed to help carry on a tiny portion of Rav Noachs firey mission!

(18)
Fangyu,
February 10, 2009 3:26 PM

My heartfelt condolences

I learnt a lot from Aish.com. Thank you very much to Rabbi Weinberg's efforts to make Aish.com available for so many people to learn Torah. May Rabbi Weinberg's memory be for a blessing.

(17)
Anonymous,
February 10, 2009 1:37 PM

This great man lit up the world!

I have literally had tears in my eyes, watching and reading the tributes to Rav Noach Zatzal.
I have personally benefited from his wisdom, which was so unique and original.
His passion, energy, enthusiasm and unequalled dedication will forever continue to be an inspiration for me and the countless others whose lives he touched.
May his revered memory be for a blessing.

(16)
Anonymous,
February 10, 2009 11:13 AM

The material about and by Rav Noach is so important that I hope you will establish a permanent link to this page, so that we can come back to it in the days and years ahead to review its content and renew and refresh our commitment and understanding.

(15)
Yas Okuno,
February 10, 2009 8:55 AM

Thank you My Rabbi

I feel very sad at knowing his passing away. February 15, 2002, I visited Aish Web sites and encountered #24 Search for Wisdom of "48 Ways to Wisdom." Starting from this, I read the full 48Ways, Six Constant Mitzva and Nine Foundations. I am impressed very much. Each time I repeat his teachings and try to internalize, I feel Rabbi Weinberg being near to me. I have not met him, but I can listen to him through Aish Audio library. He is surely my teacher, my treasure.

(14)
Anonymous,
February 9, 2009 8:54 PM

I never had the zechus of meeting Rav Weinberg zt"l. I am individual who is confronted by many personal challenges and the essays by the Rav zt"l have had a profound impact. The brilliance of the Rav zt"l has shone through each paragraph.

(13)
Denise Rootenberg,
February 9, 2009 6:39 PM

Thank you for passing on the torch

Eric, you did a wonderful job of passing on the urgency of R' Weinberg's (zl") mission and his admirable humility, despite being so crucial in bringing back vibrancy to our religion. With his help, Judaism was transformed from shuls full of mumbling old men, with the rest of us literally not knowing knowing which page they were on and fidgeting when the rabbi spoke, to involved, passionate congregations who hang on to the rabbis' every word and actively seek out more learning.
As a cancer survivor myself, the Rav's urgency re-energises me to maximise my precious time on earth.
As new immigrants in Toronto, our lives changed dramatically for the better when we became involved with Aish and now my son is finding his own inspiration the next generation of Aish rabbis. R' Weinberg may be gone but his legacy remains in all the amazing Aish rabbis and teachers.

(12)
Dan,
February 9, 2009 2:04 PM

the righteous even if they're dead they live

The Talmud states that the righteous even if they are dead they still live.And I am sure that the spirit of this great teacher is still among us to guide us.
May he rest in peace.Amen

(11)
Yisroel,
February 9, 2009 11:20 AM

Kaddish Connection Network

After seeing the Tribute and your article, I have to thank you for helping me find my niche in Rabbi Weinberg's grand plan - e-mailing Aish articles to editors of Anglo/Jewish newspapers many of whom have little knowledge or misconceptions of Torah true Judaism.
Rabbi Weinberg was the inspiration for the Kaddish Connection Network.
HaMokem Ye'nechem eschem im sha'ar evlai Tzion ve'Yerushalyim.

(10)
Eva Bronstein,
February 9, 2009 8:20 AM

My heartfelt condolences

Dear friends at Aish: What a loss for the jews of this world. I never met Rav Noach,zl, never heard of him until I read this article. I terribly regret not being able to meet with him, learn from him, be guided by him. May his incredible wisdom serve as a light all jews will follow. His story has made me consider my judaism more seriously. My sincerest condolences to the Aish community.

(9)
David J Weinberg,
February 9, 2009 4:34 AM

The Rosh Yeshivah

As a former student of Aish Ha Torah J'lem and one amongst many members of the Jewish world who has been thrust into mourning for the earthly passing of our Rosh Yeshivah, please accept my heartfelt words of "HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B'soch sh'ar Avaylay Tziyon V'Yerushalayim" to the entire Aish ha Torah family.
Although I only studied at Aish J’lem for one year, that time provided me with a global network of friends and, more importantly, a greater knowledge of, and passion for, Torah, as well as a personal understanding of the inter-connectedness of the Jewish People. I also developed a stronger desire to B"H teach my son (and any future siblings whom he may have) Torah and Jewish Pride, and proudly wear a distinctive yarmulke whilst working in the corporate (non-Jewish) world in which I now find myself
The Rosh Yeshivah has provided all of the above and more to me and many others. Although we now mourn for him, Rabbi Noach is undoubtedly (from a heavenly plain) demanding the immediate arrival of our righteous Moshiach so that we can complete his life’s work and be the ultimate Jews, serving G-d in the Beit Ha Mikdash in our Holy City of Yerushalim, Eretz Yisrael.

(8)
Laya Saul,
February 9, 2009 1:39 AM

R. Weinberg's dedication continues to spread

I never met R. Weinberg in person, yet his wisdom and teachings have shaped who I am today and how I move in this world. Thank you for this beautiful article, which continues to share the light of R. Weinberg. The fire of Torah that he shared with the world continues to do good in immeasurable ways.

(7)
Rachelli,
February 8, 2009 11:17 PM

Wow

Thank you for this inspiring article. It gives me a lot to think about.

No need to publish this. But as I know you are one of those who were closest to this great giant, I wanted to express to you a nichum avaylim.

There truly is no one I am aware of who can fill his role.

I was privileged to be raised in a frum home, in a town so populated with Jews there was no church, only a synagogue. Yet only four families kept Shabbos.

From a young age I yearned to have the tools to reach the friends and relatives I grew up with and loved, to share with them Hashem''s Torah and His message.

Reb Noach, z"l, not only helped countless numbers who were raised without a proper education in Torah. His canopy of holiness and love spread wide. Through his activities he helped those like myself, who needed to be given an address where to go, to involve ourselves in reaching fellow Jews before it was too late to reach them at all.

He helped us find the right words, he pioneered a direct and compassionate approach that touched so many hearts. He taught by example that one may not be afraid of trying, that the greatest gift one can give to others is to invite them to be partners with Hashem and His mission to the Jewish people.

Those of us who are privileged to have been teachers with Aish HaTorah, *or* to be involved in Jewish outreach in any of the institutions he formed, learned right away that it was our hearts that were touched by the fire, warmed, illumined. It was our minds that were broadened immeasurably and our hearts that were taught another expression of love for a fellow Jew, for a close member of our own families, and how to be better parents and spouses.

As in all spiritual matters it is impossible for any of us to calculate the effect and growth received by being involved in such Avodas HaKodesh. But as I thought about Rav Noach and the effects of my involvement with kiruv this reality dawned more brightly upon me.

The holy work that Rav Noach facilitated, and made possible for all of us, created a sheer network of kedusha, of achvah, of chochma, in form of countless remarkable, sincere individuals that I have met and learned with through the years. The friendships and fellowships of those involved in reaching Hashem''s people, and comforting Hashem''s land can only be calculated by Hashem Himself.

That lesson, in and of itself, ought to be a very great inspiration to all of us to continue his work and those who pioneered with him. We need stand back and see the bush that burns in our own back yard as a consequence of his work.

We lost a true gadol, a man who was great in many different ways, as your writers and commentators have shared, and as will no doubt continue to be evidenced by testimony in the weeks and months ahead as we see the gaping hole left by his absence.

May Hashem be menachem all of us.

(5)
Shoshana Zakon,
February 8, 2009 3:59 PM

In praise of Sora Schnirer O"H

Interesting that Rabbi Weinberg was a great fan of Sara Schnirer.
His mother Hilda Weinberg O"H founded the Bais Yaakov on the Lower East Side which later became Esther Schoenfeld.
I recall as a little girl looking at her lovely face.

(4)
Beverly Kurtin,
February 8, 2009 2:17 PM

Crushed

That is the only word that came to my mind as I read of this great man's departure.

(3)
Zelig Pliskin,
February 8, 2009 11:59 AM

May Hashem give you the strength and wisdom

Reb Yitzchok,
May Hashem give you the strength and wisdom to continue the work of the Rosh Hayeshiva.
Rav Noah accomplished magnificently. But he would be the first to say that it was only a drop in the ocean of what needs to be done.
When the Rosh Hayeshiva started Aish Hatorah he made the motto: "To light the fire of Torah in every Jewish heart."
Let us all continue to spread the light of Hashem and the light of Torah with all our abilities.
We have a tremendous role model. Yes, Rav Noach had his role models. And he is ours.

(2)
Anonymous,
February 8, 2009 10:11 AM

I never met the Rav nor knew much about him but reading about all of his amazing qualities really inspired me to help the world. I thought for a little, what could a 16 yr old girl possibly do to help? And I realized that there are so many of my friends who can use inspiration and that one need not look too far to find people to inspire, its in our reach to do something and be successful

(1)
BatSheva Haber-Odzer,
February 8, 2009 8:05 AM

THANKS!!!

Eric,almost 20 years ago I met you (at an Aish/Discovery weekend) and subsequently met your wife,Bruchie.As we know, the credit goes to Rav Noach z"tl as you were both following his great lead and mission to help every Jew returm to his/her roots. All my Torah and Mitzvahs goes to him and should be an aliya for his neshoma. Thank you Rav Noach z'tl!!! May your memory be for a blessing.